Chapter 8.2 The rate of photosynthesis

Question 1

What four things can the rate of photosynthesis be affected by?

Answer 1

• Light intensity
• Temperature
• Carbon dioxide
• Amount of of chlorophyll

Question 2

What is the definition of a limiting factor?

Answer 2

Limiting factor is something present in the environment in such short supply that it restricts life processes.

Question 3

What is the formula for light intensity?

Answer 3

1/distance2 (distance squared)

Question 4

How can light affect the rate of photosynthesis?

Answer 4

Light can affect the rate of photosynthesis because if there is plenty of light, lots of photosynthesis can take place.
If there is little amount of light or night, photosynthesis will stop.

Question 5

How can temperature affect the rate of photosynthesis?

Answer 5

Temperature affects all chemical reactions.
If the temperature rises the rate of photosynthesis will increase as the reaction speeds up.
If the temperature gets too high the enzymes controlling photosynthesis will denature therefore the rate of photosynthesis will fall.

Question 6

How can carbon dioxide concentration affect the rate of photosynthesis?

Answer 6

If there is lots of carbon dioxide the rate of photosynthesis will increase.
If there isn’t a lot of carbon dioxide the rate of photosynthesis will fall.

Question 7

How can chlorophyll levels in the leaf affect the rate of photosynthesis?

Answer 7

If the amount of chlorophyll is limited in any way, less photosynthesis will take place which means the plant will white areas on it (chlorophyll free areas).
If there is a lot of chlorophyll the rate of photosynthesis will increase.